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Botswana's president to seek 6-month extension of state of emergency
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https://www.trtworld.com/afric...avirus-threats-34765



Botswana's first hunting season hangs in balance due to coronavirus threats

7 HOURS AGO




Botswana Wildlife Producers Association has now asked the government to extend the hunting season which was due to commence next month, after the coronavirus pandemic spread across the globe.

Botswana has so far reported no Covid-19 cases but global travel bans and cancellations caused by the pandemic have thrown the country's controversial resumption of hunting into doubt.

Botswana, home to the world's largest elephant population, in February held its first major auction for trophy elephant hunting quotas since scrapping a hunting ban last year.

Botswana Wildlife Producers Association has now asked the government to extend the hunting season which was due to commence next month, after the coronavirus pandemic spread across the globe.

"Booked management hunts for the next few months already resulted in many cancellations and postponement of the rest," Dr Eric Verreynne, a member of the association's executive committee said.

He also said if the outbreak extends for more than three months, the hunting season will be too short to market the full quotas.

With most hunters coming from the US and Europe which are considered affected areas, access to Botswana via commercial airlines will be all but impossible especially as a result of the travel restrictions.

President Mokgweetsi Masisi raised the ire of conservationists in May when he revoked a hunting moratorium, just a year after he succeeded Ian Khama, an avid environmentalist, who introduced a blanket ban in 2014 to reverse a decline in the population of wild animals.

Masisi fended off criticism of his government's decision, saying the move would not threaten the elephant population.


Kathi

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There will only be resident hunting this year


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It looks like there might be hope.

China seems to have it under control.

Italy seems to have peaked.

Hopefully other countries that have been more cautious will have under control too.


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quote:
Originally posted by Saeed:
It looks like there might be hope.

China seems to have it under control.

Italy seems to have peaked.

Hopefully other countries that have been more cautious will have under control too.


I'm hopeful but still worried. I'm afraid this could be just the first wave. How will we know there isn't someone out there with the virus and spreading it around?
 
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My Bull Elephant hunt with Johan this year was scheduled for us to leave 5/8. We continue to gauge this day to day according to the restrictions. More than likely we will reschedule for later, most likley August??
 
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Botswana now is reporting 3 cases of CV. We are rescheduled for our hunt to start 5/16 with possibilities of further delays....
 
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http://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?...03&dir=2020/march/31


huntnjim,

I really hope you get to go as it was one of the best trips we ever had hunting with Johan's son Cobus in NG32 during September 2010. Maybe the lockdown will keep it from spreading. Best of luck on your hunt.



COVID19: Masisi declares State of Emergency, 28-day lockdown
MOKGWEETSI MASISI Tuesday, March 31, 2020



Statement by President Mokgweetsi Masisi on the declaration of the State of Emergency in Botswana regarding the outbreak of Covid-19


1. Batswana betsho, as you are all aware, on the 11th of March, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO), declared the COVID-19 outbreak as a global pandemic. Since then, we have seen the devastating effects of this pandemic worldwide. Last night Botswana confirmed with regret three (3) cases of the COVID-19 virus.

2. I have been monitoring closely, the situation with keen interest and it has become apparent that urgent and necessary steps need to be taken to protect our country and its people from this deadly virus.

3. The threat to Botswana has escalated considerably in view of the fact that our neighbouring countries have seen a rapid rise in confirmed cases, some of which have resulted in fatalities. The other challenge is the low rate of testing of suspected cases in Botswana and cumbersome health protocols. The return of some of our citizens and residents from high risk countries has also escalated the threat of the virus in our country.

4. Therefore, after consultations with relevant stakeholders it has become clear to me that it is necessary to declare a State of Public Emergency for the purpose of taking appropriate and stringent measures to address the risks posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

5. Section 17 of the Constitution of the Republic of Botswana empowers the President to declare a State of Emergency at any time. Where the President declares a state of emergency when Parliament is not sitting, such state of emergency ceases after 21 days. I have considered that proceeding in this manner would not allow for consultation and buy-in across the political spectrum because this pandemic knows no political boundaries. I have also considered that 21 days would not be sufficient to employ the necessary measures to fight this pandemic.

6. Bagaetsho, as a result, in terms of the powers vested in me under section 17(1) of the Constitution, I, Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana, do hereby declare that a state of public emergency shall exist from midnight on 2nd April, 2020 until further notice.

7. I have also decided to summon a meeting of Parliament at which meeting I will seek a resolution of Parliament for the state of emergency to continue for a longer period. The reason for summoning Parliament to meet is to allow for healthy and honest debate, and also allow for Parliament to then authorise for a duration that is sufficient to fight the pandemic.

8. The escalation of measures to fight the COVID-19 pandemic from the Public Health Act to the Constitution will allow Parliament to provide the necessary oversight role of ensuring that the Emergency Powers Regulations are within the parameters set out in the law and also to ensure that mitigating factors are indeed implemented.

9. In this regard, as President of the Republic of Botswana, I intend to swiftly do the following: issue a Proclamation declaring a State of Emergency and summon Parliament, which as you are aware, has recently adjourned, to meet within seven (7) days thereof, as well as sign and publish the State of Emergency Regulations.

10. Whilst the state of emergency is in place, there shall also be extreme social distancing commencing on 2nd April 2020 at midnight, for a period of twenty-eight (28) days. This decision was by no means taken lightly. I am convinced that I make it in the best interest of our Nation.

11. During this period of extreme lockdown all individuals across the country will be expected to adhere to a more severe form of social distancing where movement out of the home is only restricted to those performing essential services and transporting essential goods. Those involved will be permitted to travel using the COVID-19 TRAVEL PERMIT that will be issued by Government.

12. I encourage our people to continue practicing social distancing during this period. Let me once again remind you that social distancing is very critical tool and method in the fight against COVID-19. By social distancing we refer to any public measure taken to reduce interaction and contact between persons. The measures are taken to limit the spread of diseases that are transmitted between humans through touching and coughing. In this case we refer specifically to the COVID-19 virus.

13. Batswana betsho, it is important to explain the steps that follow from declaring a state of emergency. Where a state of emergency has been declared, Section 3 of the Emergency Powers Act (Cap. 22:04) empowers the President to make emergency regulations.

14. Under the Emergency Powers Act, the President can make such regulations as appear to him to be necessary or expedient for amongst others; securing the public safety and the defence of the Republic, the maintenance of public order, and

for maintaining supplies and services essential to the lives of the people as well as effective management of COVID-19. Such Regulations are currently being drafted and it is intended that these Regulations will be cross-cutting.
15. Batswana betsho, Government has put in place interventions under the COVID -19 Relief Fund, key of which is to ensure the provision of psychosocial support to all those affected. Other critical mitigating measures in place are monetary in nature, while others will necessitate policy adjustments. The objectives of these interventions are to;

• give support to some workers;

• stabilise businesses;

• ensure availability of strategic supplies and;

• explore opportunities for economic diversification.

SUPPORT TO WORKERS

16. Government will provide a wage subsidy for citizen employees of businesses mostly affected by COVID-19, to enable them to retain employees.

STABILISING BUSINESSES

17. To give businesses some cash-flow relief Government will do the following;

• Guarantee loans by commercial banks to businesses mostly affected by COVID-19 ;

• Give eligible businesses affected by COVID-19 access to credit to support ongoing operations in conditions where credit becomes more difficult to obtain and;

• Give tax concessions to businesses in eligible sectors.

The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development will provide more details on the criteria and guidelines for implementation of these particular measures.

ENSURING THE AVAILABILITY OF STRATEGIC SUPPLIES

18. Government will ensure the continued availability of strategic supplies to Batswana. These will include;

• A build-up of grain reserves;

• A build-up of fuel reserves as well as a reduction of fuel prices as global fuel prices have dropped significantly;

• Sufficient provision of water bowsers, trucks, water tanks and the;

• Supply of medical equipment.

FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRY

19. In the financial services industry;

• Banks have agreed to offer restructuring of loan facilities through which each bank will consider each case within their credit policy and parameters. This will include owner-occupied residential property mortgages and motor vehicle loans;

• All commercial banks will offer a payment holiday for three (3) months with the option to extend to six (6) months to the affected sectors;

• Regular payment obligations including life insurance premium payment, retirement fund contributions and loan instalments will be restructured and rescheduled to offer relief for at least three months to COVID-19 affected people subject to individual policies.

EASE OF DOING BUSINESS

20. To facilitate doing business and keep the economy running;

• All Government institutions will pay Government Purchase Orders (GPOs) within five (5) days and parastatals to will pay within 24 hours;

• Improve the efficiency of procurement processes;

• Government will pay all outstanding arrears for invoices within two (2) weeks and extended the validity period for GPOs and;

• VAT refunds to businesses will be expedited to assist with cash flow.

FISCAL POLICY

21. I wish to remind you that Government has established the COVID-19 Relief Fund and put up an investment of Two Billion Pula as seed money into it. I encourage individuals and the private sector to contribute to this fund, the latter, as part of their social responsibility. I want to extend my sincere and deep gratitude to those who have already contributed to the fund.

POST COVID-19 INTERVENTION

22. As Government, our interventions are not limited to just addressing the impact of the outbreak of this pandemic. We are also preparing our economy for post COVID-19 to this end, we are developing an economic stimulus package that will buffer the impact we foresee on our economy.

23. Further details and guidelines to this intervention and the relief measures I have just announced will follow from my Ministers.

24. In conclusion I wish to thank all Batswana and residents for cooperating with Government in fighting this pandemic. I particularly want to express my profound gratitude to those who are in the frontline of this war and I would like to assure them of continued full Government support in their invaluable service to the nation.

25. I wish to re-iterate to fellow citizens and residents of Botswana that there is no need for fear or panic and therefore, no need for panic buying of essential goods. I once again want to reassure you that we have allowed for the transit of goods and services both within Botswana as well as across borders.

26. We are also in constant communication with our neighbours to guarantee the flow of essential goods and services into our country.

27. Bagaetsho, let me once more remind you that we are in this together, every step of the way. Let us adhere to, and comply with the Regulations to take our country through this challenging period in our history as a Republic and be reminded that these new measures are an addition to the already existing health protocols.

28. Let us thank the Almighty God and continue seeking protection and guidance from Him.

I thank you for your attention.

PULA!!!


Kathi

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https://www.msn.com/en-za/news...mergency/ar-BB12evan



Coronavirus in Africa: Botswana's president to seek 6-month extension of state of emergency


Molaole Montsho 1 hour ago


Rustenburg - Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi will ask parliament to have the state of emergency to be in effect for six months, he said on Monday.

"A very major decision has been taken...you aware because it is in the public domain - the declaration of the state of public emergency," he told leaders of political parties in a televised address in Gaborone before they went into a closed meeting.

"And before we go and debate it in parliament because I have chosen to invoke the provision as in the constitution to call parliament because we are asking for something more than the presidents in their own right can do – the endorsement by parliament following a robust debate or indeed if they so choose a rejection by parliament of what we asked for...the reason for asking for the state of emergency to be in existence for six months."

He said Botswana's best defence against Covid-19 was a robust preventative strategy.

Botswana has recorded six confirmed cases of Covid-19 and one death. One of the confirmed cases was a local transmitted one.

Masisi declared a lockdown for 28 days in an attempt to stop the spread of Covid-19, from April 2, to April 30.

Masisi himself was put in self-isolation following his visit to Namibia to attended the inauguration of Namibian President Hage Geingob in Windhoek on March 21.

He was released from quarantine after he tested negative for Covid-19.

The Covid-19 was first record in Wuhan, China in December of 2019, it spill-over to other part of the world and to date there were more than 1.3 million confirmed cases worldwide with over 70,000 deaths.

African News Agency (ANA)


Kathi

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Posts: 9350 | Location: Chicago | Registered: 23 July 2003Reply With Quote
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Wow, there goes the hunting season there.
 
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Terrible move
 
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If black Africans wanted to end white Africans dominance in commerce, this is a sure fire way to accomplish that goal.

Makes one wonder what the end game is here.

TIA


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https://allafrica.com/stories/202004070795.html



Botswana: Opposition Leaders Okay State of Emergency

7 APRIL 2020

Botswana Daily News (Gaborone)

By Pako Lebanna

Gaborone — Leaders of different opposition political parties have opined that the extension of the state of emergency from 21 days to six months is reasonable considering the need for the country to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

The leaders expressed their agreement with the state of emergency after a meeting with President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi and Vice President Mr Slumber Tsogwane, who were representing the governing Botswana Democratic Party as well as cabinet ministers and health specialists.

Francistown South Member of Parliament, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi, who is the vice president of the Alliance for Progressives told the press briefing at the end of the closed door meeting that he was convinced of the merits of the move.



"I came into the meeting apprehensive about the need for a state of emergency, because you do not always trust the motives of other politicians. But after the explanations from the experts, I became convinced. We had a comprehensive briefing, and we were given an assurance that our concerns about protecting the livelihoods of ordinary Batswana in low income households would be addressed," Mr Mmolotsi said.

Botswana Movement for Democracy president, Advocate Sydney Pilane said he was grateful to government for being accountable to them as political stakeholders in the country.

"We are engaged in a fight of a lifetime, and this is not the time for petty party politics, but a moment for us to unite and come up with collective ideas to overcome this pandemic. We were given a detailed brief, we asked questions and offered advice and we hope for more engagement in future," Adv. Pilane said.



He said that the Ministry of Health and Wellness had been doing a tremendous job in fighting the coronavirus threat since it emerged globally.

Adv. Pilane said although the ministry had invoked the Public Health Act on a few occasions to enact various restrictions on social life in order to deal with the COVID-19, that had not been enough given the circumstances.

"I have studied how Western countries have been battling COVID-19 and they are still struggling despite their resources. We appreciate the efforts of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, but the battle is beyond them, the challenges we face cut across society, which necessitates a state of emergency, which led to the adoption of this extreme measure," he said.

He explained that while the separation of powers between the judiciary, legislature and executive would still obtain, and people could still seek recourse from the courts, a few liberties such as the freedom of movement and the right to assembly would frequently be suspended, in order to avoid the greater calamity of loss of lives from COVID-19.



Botswana Patriotic Front president (BPF), Mr Biggie Butale said his party was uncomfortable with the state of emergency as a precedent could be set that could be used for undemocratic ends in future.

But he said despite their uneasiness, they had also become convinced that this was a necessary step in the current situation.

He said the BPF was committed to joining hands with the government and other stakeholders in the battle against COVID-19, and expressed gratitude for what he called the 'frank discussions' that had brought different political participants under one roof.

Mr Gaontebale Mokgosi, the leader of the Real Alternative Party said the experience of the European states that were currently bearing the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated that Botswana put stringent measures to address crisis.

As such, he said his party supported the state of emergency and that their concerns about the plight of the poor during the period of extreme social distancing were addressed. He said some of the measures being proposed to assist low income groups were socialistic in nature, which resonated with his movement.

Responding to an inquiry from the press, President Masisi revealed that the official opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), which was not represented, had been invited to the meeting and had been given the assurance that they could send a representative if their president was unavailable to attend.

Dr Masisi acknowledged that the absence of the UDC dampened the spirit of the occasion somewhat, but said the official opposition would still have an opportunity to engage on the COVID-19 subject in the parliamentary general assembly scheduled for Tuesday (April07).

Source : BOPA


Kathi

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